Care About Your Smile

“When you’re smiling, when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you. When you’re laughing, oh when you’re laughing, the sun comes shining through.” Larry Shay (1897-1988) and Mark Fisher (1895-1948), American songwriters, “When You’re Smiling” (1928)

Crooked and misaligned teeth are conditions referred to as malocclusions. These conditions can result to misaligned bites. Misaligned bites, as a consequence, interfere with proper chewing of food; increased risks for tooth decay, cavities, and gum problems (gingivitis); increased strain on muscles of the jaws and teeth that can result to risk of breaking a tooth; speech difficulties (including a lisp); and decreased in self-confidence and self-esteem.

What produces malocclusions?

There are several reasons why some people’s teeth are crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people have small mouths that are too small for their teeth, resulting to crowding of teeth inside the mouth. In some people, their upper and lower jaws are not the same size or are malformed. These can produce either of these two conditions: Overbite (retrognathia or retrognathism) when the upper teeth and jaw overlap the lower jaw and teeth. Underbite (prognathism) when the lower jaw protrudes forward (in Pilipino colloquial – “babalu”), causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth and jaw.

Most cases of overbite and underbite are inherited traits. Other causes include: Undue pressure on teeth and gums; misalignment after an injury or trauma; tumors of the mouth and jaw; early loss of baby or adult teeth; improper dental restorations; habits in children, such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, use of pacifier beyond the age of three, and prolonged use of feeding bottle.

What should you do if you have malocclusion?

See your dentist. A dentist who specializes in orthodontics or an orthodontist is preferred. Your orthodontist will take x-rays; pictures of your face, mouth, and your teeth (to determine relationship of head, teeth, and jaw); and a dental impression to determine the specific treatment for your condition. Panoramic x-rays will show the relationship of the teeth and jaws. X-rays will also provide the position and the roots of your teeth. Your orthodontist will also know if a tooth has still to erupt or come out of your gums (wisdom tooth).

Your orthodontist will decide on what is best for you. Most people with malocclusion would need braces. Others would need a removable retainer that can stabilize the new position of the teeth. In rare cases, dental extraction and/or operation may be necessary.